Inter Milan beat River Plate 2-0 on Wednesday (25), secured the leadership of the group and the club World Cup and advanced to the round of 16 to face Fluminense.
With the victory in Seattle, built in the second stage with goals of Esposito and Bastoni, the Italians confirmed the first place of the key and eliminated the Argentines of the competition. Monterrey, who beat Urawa Reds 3-0, also qualified.
The expulsion of Martínez Wednesday, after gross error and a hard lack in Mkhitaryan, facilitated the mission of Europeans.
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Esposito opened the scoring 26 minutes into the second half, after a good move by Sucic, leaving defender Paulo Díaz back before hitting Armani’s departure. Already in additions, Bastoni closed the score by taking advantage of freedom in the Argentine area.
The duel between Inter and River still had moments of tension in the final minutes, with confusion between the players and the expulsion of Montiel.
With seven points, Inter ended as group leader and, followed by Monterrey, with five. The River ended its participation with four points and the Lantern Urawa Reds added none.
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The Italians now face Fluminense, second placed from group F, at 4 pm on Monday, in Charlotte. Monterrey faces Borussia Dortmund at 10 pm on Tuesday in Atlanta.